Review of The Anchor still holds

Post by **Amanda Collier** » 01 Jul 2025, 11:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Anchor still holds" by Colette Atkinson.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Colette Atkinson’s The Anchor Still Holds tells a beautiful story of a life lived in faith.

Our lives are filled with an ever-changing cast of characters. Friends come and go. People pass away. People move away or simply fade out of our lives. But some people have such a strong and impactful presence that they forever hold a place in our hearts. This story is about one such person.

This book is written about a woman named Jennifer Atkinson. It is written by her daughter. It is an absolute love letter to the woman her mother was. The book outlines her mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Through faith in God and a fantastic support system, the family handled everything from diagnosis, through treatment, and the end of Jennifer’s life with grace and faith. Every step of the way shows how selfless and caring Jennifer was throughout her life. Even in her last moments with her daughter, she was only thinking of others.

Cancer is a theft of time. Even those who survive it are left with countless hours in treatment or spent in doctor offices. Those who do not survive are left with family who simply didn’t have enough time with their loved ones. Death is never easy, but when it comes far too soon, it is even more difficult. This book shows the lengths that family will go to provide for their sick loved ones. The author outlines how she helped to bring her mother to appointments despite the lengthy drive. There are many stories of how other family members and church members also chipped in however they could.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of this story is how many lives Jennifer touched. The author has many personal stories of watching her mother give everything she could, even when she may have needed it herself. Her staunch belief that God would provide was proved over and over again. Her faith in God never wavered. Some may say that of course a daughter would have nothing but good words for their mother, which is likely true. However, the last portion of the book is filled with testimonials for people who were touched by Jennifer’s selfless kindness. Everyone from grocery store employees to the doctors who treated her had amazing stories to tell.

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a beautiful story of how a selfless life can live on even after death. And how unshakeable faith in God can be. Many books about faith in God in terms of illness offer false hope that faith alone can heal a person. This book is very realistic. God’s plan for us ultimately includes death in this life, but there is life after if you have faith. Not losing faith even in the face of trials and illness is an amazing thing.

This book is well-written, and there is not much to be said about what could be changed to improve it. There were very few typographical errors. The layout and title pages are beautiful. It is a beautiful tribute to the author’s mother and a testimony of her mother’s faith. There is no criticism that I can offer. It is simply well-done.

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The Anchor still holds
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Onyemuwa-dave · Post by **Onyemuwa-dave** » 03 Jul 2025, 03:12

Your review of The Anchor Still Holds beautifully conveys the powerful and touching tribute Colette Atkinson has created for her mother. I can truly feel the love letter aspect you describe and how Jennifer's selfless nature and unwavering faith shone through her battle with pancreatic cancer. Highlighting the realistic portrayal of faith even in the face of death, and the many lives Jennifer touched, makes it clear why this book is so impactful.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 03 Jul 2025, 09:08

Such books always remind us the importance of family and having a strong support system. I am also happy that faith in God served a great role in their journey as well. Many thanks for the inspirational review, @Amanda Collier.

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » Yesterday, 10:30

Wow, this sounds like such a deeply moving and inspiring story. It’s amazing how the book not only honors the mother’s life but also showcases the power of faith through real-life challenges. The idea that Jennifer’s selflessness and unshakable faith were evident to everyone she encountered really stands out. I love that the author didn't just focus on her mother’s faith but also included the perspectives of others who were touched by her kindness. It's so rare to find a book that’s both heartfelt and realistic about the balance of life, illness, and faith. Definitely sounds like a beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman.

Etimbuk Eshiet · Post by **Etimbuk Eshiet** » Yesterday, 17:21

This review moved me deeply. The way you described Jennifer’s unwavering faith and selflessness, even in the face of terminal illness, is incredibly touching. I also appreciated your insight that the book doesn’t sugarcoat death but instead portrays faith as a source of strength and peace. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt summary of a clearly powerful and inspiring memoir.